NPC & CPPCC > Tidbits

Hurdler Liu Xiang to be absent from 'two sessions'

By (Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-02 18:07

BEIJING  -- Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will not be able to attend this year's "Two Sessions" in Beijing as he is still receiving medical treatment in the United States, the organizers said here Monday.


Former Olympic champion Liu Xiang attempts to clear a set of hurdles, Rice University, Houston Feb 10, 2009.  [china.com] 

Liu, 25, is one of the youngest among the 2,235 members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the nation's top political advisory body.

The "Two Sessions" refer to the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the Second Session of the 11th National Committee of CPPCC.

Liu has asked for absence from this year's CPPCC session, according to the CPPCC reception office.

"Liu is still in the United States to have his injury treated, and is not expected to return home till mid March," Liu Xuegen, father of Liu, told Xinhua upon inquiry.

Liu, from Shanghai, was once the world record holder of the men's 110m hurdles. He stunned the world by withdrawing from the 110m hurdles at the Beijing Olympics as a result of his right foot injury.

Liu was also absent from the CPPCC session last March, when he was in Spain to compete in the world indoor championship.

This year's CPPCC session is scheduled to open on Tuesday and last nine days.

An editorial of the People's Daily has called on China's top political advisory body to made due contributions to help the country weather through difficulties.
 
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